Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.

What: Shares of STEC (Nasdaq: STEC) dropped 12.5% in intraday trading today after the company announced fourth-quarter EPS of $0.35, beating the $0.33 consensus estimate, and issued first-quarter revenue and EPS guidance above consensus expectations.

So what: Compared to the year-ago quarter, revenue fell 11%, pre-tax income fell 39%, and non-GAAP ("before bad stuff") EPS fell 31%. That said, after stumbling badly in the first half of 2010, results improved in the second half and growth expectations are high for the solid-state drive market the company serves.

Now what: Management noted the company is benefiting from a broader product lineup and expanded customer base. That could drive revenue and earnings growth in 2011. The consensus forecast calls for 18% EPS growth when easy comparables phase out in the second half. The stock appears reasonably valued at a forward P/E ratio of 17.8, though investors should consider the risks that uneven execution could continue and competition could heat up.   

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